A hut trek is the coolest thing this summer
A hut trek, you say? I feel you, it sounds a bit like something your dad does in his Fjällräven with hiking poles. But what do you think? The hut trek is officially back. Or as far as I'm concerned; it's not back, but it is here because in my life it has never been here before. Hut trekking has undergone a metamorphosis so this time not with woolen socks and a foldable map, but with your fun friend groups in matching leggings, sunscreen with SPF 50, and a portable coffee shop in your backpack.
Where it once was the domain of gray woolen socks with hiking maps in plastic sleeves, it is now the parade of sporty chic, selfie-perfect views, and the Sisterhood of the Traveling Hiking Boots. And honestly: I get it. In fact, I'm getting a little closer to the idea that I would actually like to do it myself someday. Especially now my friend Anouk Smulderis suddenly completely hooked. She loves luxury just as much as I do, but also wants to stand on the mountain with her boots every now and then.
What is a hut trip actually?
Let's start at the beginning. A hut trek is a multi-day hike where you walk from hut to hut. During the day you climb, descend, sweat (in style), and are treated to views that will make your Insta feed jealous. In the evenings, you sit down at the table with a plate of pasta (or Kaiserschmarrn if you're in Austria), share a room with your bestie (or twenty other hikers), and dive under the covers early for another day full of highlights – literally.
Celebrities and VIPs also go on hut treks
The phenomenon has become so trendy that even the famous Dutch are giving it a try. Rens Kroes hiked through the mountains of Norway with a backpack (in full organic outfit of course), Anna Nooshin did a more luxurious variant in the Dolomites with a private hut and wine arrangement (yes, that exists), and Nina Pierson had her children in a carrier while climbing the mountains of Slovenia.
Influencers are trading their infinity pools for glacier lakes and their croissants for muesli bars. Because nothing says balance like a six-hour morning hike with 900 meters of elevation gain.
@annanooshin Together with Enit I visited the Giau Pass which lies in the heart of the Belluno Dolomites in Italy. From here you have a view of the most beautiful peaks of the Dolomites. Absolutely breathtaking. That alpine glow during sunset 😱 #liveitalian #dolomitibellunesi #adv ♬ rainy day – McKenna Barry
Why has the hut trek suddenly become so hip?
Because we are all a bit tired of wellness with extra charges and city trips with overcrowded museums. The hut trek feels like a detox, but one where you can still have wine. It's back to basics, without being back to boring. You don't have to plan anything except your route, you are literally above the cloud cover, and your biggest concern is whether you can find a spot in the hut or if you need to charmingly arrange an extra blanket.
And honestly: how often do you get the chance to really be offline? No notifications, no scrolling marathons, but conversations that actually matter. (Or about which cheese melts best in fondue. Also important.)
Where should you go for the most beautiful hut treks?
Take the Alta Via 1 in the Dolomites. There you walk from hut to hut in five to ten days through a landscape that is so perfect, you think Pixar designed it. The views are breathtaking, the cappuccinos along the way surprisingly good, and the huts sometimes even have tiramisu for dessert.
Or choose the Austrian Stubaital, ideal for beginners (and people who love mountain huts with schnitzel and wellness). More into the rugged stuff? Then Hardangervidda in Norway is your terrain. Lakes, moose, and silence. A lot of silence.
For those who want to think big, there is the Tour du Mont Blanc, where you hop through three countries in a week with your hiking boots: France, Italy, and Switzerland.
What does a hut trip cost?
Don't be shocked: it's really affordable. For about €50 to €70 per night, you get a bed, a warm meal, breakfast, and often a glass of red wine with a view of a glacier. Okay, no luxury spa or infinity pool, but a sunrise you won't forget anytime soon.
Want everything arranged? Then there are also organized hut treks with a guide and luggage transport. Expect to pay €500-€800 for a week. And believe me, you will come home as a walking zen Buddhist with calves of steel.
What should you bring (and what not)?
You don't have to empty half of Decathlon. What you really need is a pair of broken-in hiking shoes (sounds boring, but your feet will thank you), a lightweight backpack, layered clothing, good sunglasses, and sunscreen. Oh, and earplugs. Because huts are cozy, but not necessarily quiet. And yes, chocolate. Always chocolate.
Why it brings you more than you think
What you take with you is practical, but what you bring back is priceless. You have had conversations without distractions. Laughed at a peak, cursed on a descent. You have pushed your own limits and discovered that you are actually quite a badass when you need to be.
It's the kind of vacation where you recharge more than you ever could on a beach chair. Your mind empties, your heart fills. And maybe along the way, you found your best friend a little bit again. Or yourself.
Want to know more or plan directly? For example, check out alpenverein.de for routes and huts. Get inspired and who knows, you might soon be walking above the clouds with a thermal legging and a Kaiserschmarrn in your hand.
Image: @annanooshin and @renskroes
